Invasive Plant Management Technician - Wetland Focus - Nr2

Work DaysMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Varies, Saturday
Wage$16.50 per hour
Job Description

The Invasive Plant Management Technician works on an Invasive Plant control team as part of intensive habitat restoration program at Cleveland Metroparks. This position is a Natural Resources Specialist 2 (mid-level, experienced field worker) with Invasive Plant Management Technician responsibilities.  The incumbent will reports to Invasive Plant Coordinator at North Chagrin Management Center and will work in reservations across the entire Park District. Candidates will typically have some relevant coursework, one or more field seasons of relevant field work, and an aptitude and interest in learning the job.

Invasive Plant Management Technician responsibilities will include:

1. Control of invasive species including mechanical removal or selective chemical control
2. Electronic recordkeeping, GPS mapping, and GIS data entry (using QGIS software)
3. Cleaning, maintenance, and repair of hand tools, backpack sprayers, and other equipment
4. Assisting crew members through teaching and demonstrating plant identification and/or safe and proper management methods

Expectations

1. Participates in training sessions regarding Invasive Plant removal techniques; hand tool safety; pesticide safety; pesticide handling and equipment usage.
2. Ability to utilize hand tools such as loppers, pruning shears, and forestry brushcutters, and carry 40-pound packs for up to 6 hours per day.
3. Previous experience with pesticide application, mixing chemicals, or pesticide certification preferred
4. Skills in GIS and data entry, report writing, and data quality control preferred.

Requirements

• Must have completed several years of college courses with relevant course work and/or educational experience in natural resources, natural sciences, i.e., biology, geology, hydrology, etc., forestry, wildlife management, environmental science or related fields. At least six months of field experience, research experience, or other directly relevant job experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license under the laws of the State of Ohio.
• Knowledge and practical outdoor work experience including plant, insect, mammal, or bird identification skills, farming, forestry, hydrology, aquatic ecology, civil engineering, GIS or a strong desire and aptitude to develop these skills. For research related positions, knowledge and experience in research methods is desirable.
• Ability to read maps, follow written directions, and navigate through forest or wetland areas.
• Experience in computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and/or GIS and GPS and associated hardware is desirable
• Ability to walk up to 5 miles daily through challenging terrain including heavy vegetation, wetlands, and steep slopes.
• Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors and tolerate the climate and conditions of natural areas typical of northeast Ohio (including heat, humidity, poison ivy, and biting/stinging insects)
• Ability to work in adverse conditions including rain, high or low temperatures, high humidity, insects, and difficult terrain.
• Energy and enthusiasm for field work.
• Experience and knowledge of natural resource conservation practices and procedures preferred
• Responsible attitude and work ethic.
• Positive disposition and ability to work well with a diverse team.
• Communicates well and continually updates co-workers and supervisor of progress and problems.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Ability to perform with independence and initiative.

Work Schedule: Typically a Monday-Friday schedule, with occasional evenings and weekends as scheduled in advance. Work schedule is weather-dependent and will be 30-40 hours per week.

Filing Deadline:  Open until filled.  Candidates are requested to upload a cover letter and resume.